April 2024
Dear Customers, Colleagues, and Friends,
April has been a busy and exciting month at the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). We are dedicated to increasing access to entrepreneurship and celebrating the contributions of businesses in the District. As we close out this month with Small Business Week, we encourage you to follow our activities as well as those of the Departments of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), and the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking (DISB).
Recently, I had the privilege of presenting before the Council of the District of Columbia, offering a comprehensive review of DLCP's budget, as well as how we’ve used resources previously allocated to the agency to improve our services and make it easier for businesses in the District. Feel free to access the recording of the hearing below.
I’m keeping it short and sweet this month, but we will see you in May!
Best Regards,
|
 Tiffany Crowe
Director
On April 26, Director Crowe testified before Chairperson Brianne Nadeau and the Committee on Public Works & Operations, presenting the agency’s request for funding for FY25.
As part of Mayor Muriel Bowser's Fairshot: Strategic Investments and Shared Sacrifice budget plan, Director Crowe emphasized DLCP's four priorities:
-
Focus On The Needs of the DLCP Workforce: DLCP has filled 33 positions and significantly reduced the vacancy rate since October 2023. Ensuring the right people are in the right roles is a key tenet of our agency culture.
-
Reimagine Our Authority, Tools, and Partnerships: DLCP recently selected a Vending Zone Manager, clarified guidelines with the Office of Tax and Revenue, and held community meetings. DLCP is supporting the Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Administration (ABCA) in cannabis enforcement and enhancing government operations with the Office of the Chief Technology Officer through projects like the Enterprise Business Portal.
-
Create Stability and Earn Credibility With the Public: DLCP has revamped the Communications and Outreach division, aligning with the Mayor’s priorities for economic development and business-friendly policies. We have created educational materials translated for our diverse community and participated in major events for business owners throughout FY2024, and will continue to grow this work in FY2025.
-
Stimulate Economic Growth and Innovation in the District: DLCP is always looking for ways to improve our tools and make it seamless for businesses to start and expand in the District. To this end, if you have innovative ideas you would like to share with us, please share them with us via email at dlcp.feedback@dc.gov.
If you are interested in watching the hearing recording, please click the link below.
Exciting news! The DLCP website is undergoing a refreshing update and will be live soon! The updated website is designed to tackle common frustrations, ensuring a smoother experience as you attend to your business needs.
Our design goals were:
- Created a more user-friendly website that is inclusive for everyone.
- Providing content in the District's official languages.
- Make critical updates easier to find.
- Simplify tasks for users.
Interested in participating in our testing phase by joining an interactive demo? If so, please reach out to dlcp.communications@dc.gov. Your feedback is valuable to us!
Look below for new laws, and important regulations.
Mayor Bower submitted her FY25 Budget: Fair Shot, Strategic Investments and Shared Sacrifice to the DC Council on April 3, 2024. The guiding principles for the budget are:
- Maintaining core services and protecting health and safety;
- Advancing equity; and
- Focusing on long-term stability and new spending on catalytic investments, including public safety, education, and Downtown.
Pending Legislation
Two noise control bills are pending before the Council:
B25-749, the Amplified Sound Mitigation Act of 2024, and B25-750, the Harmonious Living Amendment Act of 2024.
Bill 25-749, among other things, would establish entertainment and activity areas and decibel levels for amplified sound, such street performances, and would give DLCP the authority to enforce the noise control regulations in the public space.
Similarly, B25-750 would establish exterior soundproofing standards for residential construction in mixed-use corridors and entertainment districts, and it would establish notice requirements for lease and sales agreements.
Regulations
The comment period for the Architectural Licensure Amendments Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ended on April 15, 2024. The agency is reviewing the comments that were received.
On April 11, DLCP staff gathered at Black And Forth, a strip mall that offers community education and commercial space for entrepreneurs, located on Channing Street Northeast in the District. Aspiring entrepreneurs participated in a Permitting and Licensing class, where they learned vital information about effective business administration and the steps to obtain proper licensing in the District. Attendees also had the opportunity to network with government officials and other prospective entrepreneurs. They were able to ask questions about obtaining a business license, timing, and how to navigate our services. DLCP is proud to partner with DC agencies to support new and existing business owners, contributing to the thriving economy of DC.
This month, DLCP participated in a series of events and resources aimed at empowering small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs during National Small Business Week.
On April 29, a workshop on Street and Sidewalk Vending was held at Sycamore & Oak in Southeast DC. This event provided culturally relevant assistance to vendors regarding the licensing and compliance process for street and sidewalk vending.
On April 30, the DC Small Business Summit and Expo, "POWERUP for Success," was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Hosted by the DC Chamber of Commerce, DC Health Link, DC Department of Insurance, Securities & Banking (DISB), and DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), the summit featured presenters and workshops. Director Crowe moderated the "How to Start a Business" panel, while Keisha Mims contributed as a panelist on the topic of "Retailers."
Don't miss out on our upcoming opportunity to connect, learn, and grow:
- General License Bootcamp, Thursday, May 2, 2024
- Time: 10 am-12pm
- Where: Marshall Heights Community Development Organization, Inc. 3939 Benning Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019
DLCP has issued important updates regarding the renewal process for businesses. We strongly encourage you to take action! Please prioritize the following renewals by their deadlines:
- Special Police Officer: May 31
- Athlete Agent: May 31
Your My DC Business Center Dashboard will display the number of licenses eligible for renewal. We will also send renewal notifications every 30 days from the day your license becomes eligible for renewal until its expiration date, with a final notice sent seven (7) days before expiration.
Please continue to monitor your inbox for updates specific to your account.
At DLCP, we are committed to following Mayor Bowser's initiative of building a team of the best and brightest employees to both work and live in the District.
We are currently seeking talented professionals who possess a relevant skill set and strong desire to serve the residents and businesses of the District.
- Program Support Specialist, Grade 9
- Project Coordinator, Grade 13
To apply to one of these opportunities, please visit dlcp.dc.gov/jobs.
Contact DLCP via email, or our online inquiry form at any time. We’re also available through the live chat on dlcp.dc.gov or by phone at 202-671-4500 during normal business hours.
|
